Delta Air Lines Quietly Removes Free Perk for Customers

Over the years, Delta Air Lines customers have become accustomed to a snack – including the iconic Biscoff cookie – and a beverage while at 35,000 feet. However, on some flights, that will now be a thing of the past.

This month, Delta will be quietly ending its free snack service for all of its short flights, meaning that about 9% of Delta's up-to-5,500 daily flights will not have the snack service on their flights.

No More Snacks on Short Flights

Beginning on May 19, Delta will be eliminating its complimentary snack service on all flights under 350 miles.

Delta currently does not provide beverages or snacks aboard flights of less than 250 miles and offers an "express" service with limited snacks and beverage options for routes between 250 and 350 miles.

This change will impact many flights between major cities in the northeast, as well as common routes like the route between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which is just under 340 miles.

A Delta spokesperson told The New York Times that the change is intended to "create a more consistent experience across our network."

"Even on the small number of flights without beverage service, our crew will continue to be visible, available and focused on caring for our customers, like they do on every flight," the spokesperson said.

Falling Behind Other Airlines

By eliminating snacks on these flights, Delta is eliminating a perk that is offered by nearly all of its competitors across the industry.

American Airlines currently offers complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic drinks to all travelers on flights over 250 miles. United Airlines, meanwhile, provides free nonalcoholic beverages on all flights and complimentary snacks on flights over 300 miles. Southwest Airlines offers free nonalcoholic drinks and snacks on select flights over 251 miles.

"Even budget airlines sell food and beverages on their short flights," said Henry Harteveldt, a travel industry analyst for Atmosphere Research, according to the New York Times. "Delta likes to claim that it's a ‘premium' airline, but cutting out cabin service doesn't support that."

Needless to say, this change will undoubtedly come as a disappointment to some Delta customers.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 7, 2026 at 5:15 AM.